heavy duty battery cables

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Ezrider_48501, Dec 5, 2013.

  1. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    iv got a new set of batterys in the back of my pickup for my semi the ones in my truck are 4 years old and getting weak. i want to replace all my battery cables when i swap my baterys out id like to build my own cables. and replace them all the ones between the baterys and all the way up to the starter. where can i find some real heavy duty cable biggest possible. looked around farm and fleet stores and the such and haven't seen anything even as big as whats already on there.
     
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  3. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Dealer or welding supply. Some auto parts stores but not many.
     
  4. truckman29801

    truckman29801 Medium Load Member

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    Interstate batteries Dealer, they are in most places. They sell cables as well. we ordered cables 100 ft at a time at Interstate batteries. Batteries are $50 with the core as well next time you change your batteries. Ask for 1 AWG (american wire gauge) wire. They have the cable in your area. i called and checked for you.

    Interstate All Battery Center

    Address: 901 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
    Phone:(701) 221-2400
    Hours:
    Thursday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm








     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2013
    Cetane+ and Ezrider_48501 Thank this.
  5. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    Unless you know what you are doing, don't both, just get the old ones off, get new ones made from them with the properly sealed ends - it saves headaches in the long run.
     
  6. Ezrider_48501

    Ezrider_48501 Road Train Member

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    i know how to build corrosion resistant cables, solder fittings sealant heat shirk, have no doubt that the cables i will make will be much better than the manufactured cables on the truck now.

    thank you for the info truckman, ill head over to interstate tommorrow
     
  7. JohnP3

    JohnP3 Road Train Member

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    You will have better luck using #2 cable and doubling them up to the starter and grounds. The really big cable gets so stiff it will break things.
    What I do is solder the ends on then coat with gasket sinch, then shrink tube. I always recomend after the batteries are charged independently with a regulated charger, and everything is put back together, you turn on all the lights and put it to 1200 RPM and then take a voltmeter from the alternator ground to the right frame rail. If you have over .2 volts make a #4 cable up. It is amazing how many units will get codes and that little fix will cure it.
    Just a thought!
     
    DavidK57918 Thanks this.
  8. truckman29801

    truckman29801 Medium Load Member

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    BTW he said #1AWG cable is no more than $4 a foot. well worth it if you ask me, and your welcome. Figured id put in some work lol
     
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